Assistant Biosafety Officer

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has an opportunity for an Assistant Biosafety Officer to join the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. The Assistant Biosafety Officer is responsible for implementing programs that will promote the health and safety of faculty, staff, students, and visitors and providing consultation on issues regarding research with biological materials.

The ideal candidate will personally connect with the Division of Administration and Finance's Guiding Principles which closely mirror UMB's core values: Well-Being and Sustainability, Innovation and Discovery, Service Excellence and Accountability, Equity and Justice, and Respect and Integrity.

For best consideration, submit an application by April 3rd, 2024.

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for the design and implementation of programs to enhance safety at UMB. The department provides consultation and services to research laboratories, clinical areas, facilities, and offices in the areas of chemical, biological, and radioactive materials safety; occupational safety and industrial hygiene; and environmental compliance and hazardous waste management. The department's offices are in downtown Baltimore near the Inner Harbor, and the position involves travel to other local entities supported by UMB.

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. This position participates in a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, paid holidays, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

Environmental Health and Safety Programs:

• Research Safety: Implements programs to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious materials and/or hazardous chemicals.
  
  Provides risk assessments for research investigators. Provides guidance to laboratory personnel on the practices, safety equipment and facilities for which hazardous materials can be safely manipulated. Ensures compliance with safety regulations through inspections of laboratories and other facilities.

• Radiation Safety: Ensures compliance with the university's radioactive materials licenses.
  
  Oversees radiation safety for users of x-ray machines. Administers a multi-faceted dosimetry program for persons exposed to ionizing radiation. Promotes laser safety in research laboratories.

• Environmental Programs: Performs the collection, classification, consolidation, segregation, storage, and treatment or disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with scientific protocol and federal, state, and local regulations.
  
  Ensures that the hazardous materials response team is properly equipped and trained to respond to hazardous materials incidents. Consults on issues related to environmental compliance.

• Occupational Safety and Health: Reduces the risk of injury or illness for faculty, staff, and students. Programs include safety inspections, health hazard assessments, chemical hygiene, safety and health training, and indoor air quality assessments.

Essential Functions:

• Oversees workflow of less experienced Biosafety personnel and provides to them training in biosafety related activities and program development. Provides instruction and guidance and manages in absence of team leadership.

• Develops and implements strategic objectives for biosafety at UMB. Works directly with EHS staff to develop and implement program objectives. Oversees and administers biosafety programs by reviewing and approving biosafety protocol reviews, and audit/inspections.

• Serves as the Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) for the University's Biological Select Agents and Toxins Program, with authority and control to ensure compliance. Functions as primary liaison for EHS with Principal Investigators and Facility Directors to recommend and implement appropriate safety procedures in accordance with federal guidelines.

• Serves as voting member on compliance-related committees such as the Institution Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Subcommittee for Research Safety, and Dual Use Committee.

• Oversees development and deliverance of ongoing in-service training to faculty and departmental support staff. Researches and identifies new areas for training.

• Develops and distributes literature and training materials for use in classes and laboratories.

• Ensures compliance with the federal, state, and University regulations, policies, and procedures governing research using recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules, infectious agents, and dual use research of concern. Assists investigators and staff.

• Manages biosafety records and oversees accurate completion and filings of reports and documentation required by regulatory agencies (CDC, NIH, etc). Has signatory and submission authority to the CDC and NIH.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelors in microbiology, cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, public health, environmental science, biological science, industrial hygiene or other related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of progressive work experience in the fields of biosafety, environmental safety, research compliance, or diagnostic laboratory experience with emphasis in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, or related field. A master's degree may be substituted for two years of experience.

Other: No substitution of experience for minimum education requirement.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Physical requirements: Light to moderate physical effort is generally required.
  
  Some activities will require traversing the campus and remaining standing for long periods of time while others require being able to remain sedentary for 50% of the time. Employee will be required to position themselves to lower levels, including crouching or kneeling to reach desired locations. Employee will occasionally ascend/descend ladders/stools. The employee must be able to carry/move/transport up to 50 pounds on occasion.

• Hazardous Materials: Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.
  
  Position will require employee to work with hazardous materials or be in areas where radiation producing equipment, radioactive materials, chemicals, or infectious agents are present. Employee is required to wear personal protective equipment, including a respirator, in certain circumstances where personal protection is determined to be needed. Offers of employment may be contingent on applicant obtaining appropriate medical clearance by university approved medical staff.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

• Knowledge of position requirements.

• Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws.

• Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems.

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts.

• Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently.

• Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

The Hiring Range for this position is in the low $100,000s to low $110,000s, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at HRJobs@umaryland.edu.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.